"I believe in using all sides of the brain," says Vaughn, a native of San Diego. "It's all about self-expression. I study the science of how the brain works, then I can use the creative side in drumming."

After graduation, Vaughn moved to Houston to work for renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman and his Laboratory for Perception and Action at Baylor. The lab's mission is to understand how the brain works and how it matters for society.

But as passionate as Vaughn is about science, he's equally moved by the drums.

At age 13, he started playing the drums and got hooked after a girl in his middle school said drumming was "cute." His mother got him a drum set to encourage him to stop tapping on the dinner plates.

Now, Vaughn is becoming a regular on the club and bar scene, playing alongside local DJs up to three nights a week. He's also building his own drum set out of acrylic globes that will light up when tapped.

"Drumming fits with my math and science background in a weird way," he said. "Drumming really is a lot of math — beats and rhythms. I'm counting out beats for everyone to jam to, and there's a lot synergy in that."

Last summer Vaughn started modeling with Page Parkes Models. He had the idea to play the drums at fashion shows while the models walk the runway.

"There's nothing more live than a drum performance. I pour everything into it. Even my outfits (jeans and hip T-shirts) are part of the drumming performance."

That he's able to mix science, music and fashion into his career is a blessing, he said.

"Science is about reason, not emotion," he said, "But no one wants to hear about a logical drummer. It's all about emotion and passion, so I'm glad I can mix it all together."